Quite a few friends have asked me how did I happen to get into woodworking. For a person who has a strong fascination for Excel, number crunching, etc, they couldn’t believe a desk jockey or a pencil pusher could pursue a craft involving elbow grease and physical labor. :-D Well to each his own.
My journey in woodworking began somewhere in June 2016, when I brought myself a #Bosch #Dremel 4000. I had a very limited understanding of the craft back then and did believe that this tool would be a well-rounded option and would help me make anything and every type of curio possible. The snapshot images are proof of my #amateur ways back then :-D
I know better now as I have taught myself with time. There was absolutely no one to guide me back then. If only I had someone to help me based on my needs and thereby what I should be investing in, I could have cut short the learning curve. Anyway, One finds adventures galore on the path less tread :-D.
I think I spent quite a bit back then. If you ask me now, I could have stretched that amount on hand tools and set up a small home workshop and could have still managed to save some money :-D
I remember, the excitement the day I got this tool delivered, I hastily tried my hands at simple projects. I remember cutting my fingers on the milling bits, my then workbench, which was a bar stool. Most fond memories were that of my neighbor's curiosity about the noise I was making. :-D
I was pretty intrigued by the Maori designs and the Maori #Fishhooks. I had spent two entire days toying with the possibilities, that the rotary tool had to offer. I managed to make a small heart ( don’t remember what wood), a crucifix made from Sal wood and a Maori Fishhook made from some scrap wood.
By the end of day two, I had my first taste of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), a very common thing amongst craftsmen. I was using the Dremel incorrectly, without the appropriate amount of rest and hence paid the price.
Soon after I recovered I made a passive phone speaker from scrap plywood, staining it with shoe polish and linseed oil. I was pretty dedicated and crafty. :-D
There was absolutely no one I could turn to for help or guidance. The local carpenters would snicker when I told them about my interest. According to them, this craft was only to be inherited by either the “mistri" or the architects of the world and was not for the common man. This was a little disheartening. Having led my life believing that anything is possible if you put your heart into the effort, I decided to teach my self and my self-development began.
By December that year, I was belting out wooden Christmas gifts for my family and friends
When I look back now, if I had a mentor to guide me during this, my journey would have been short and direct without any hurdles. Hence when I teach my participants now, I always remember my first steps into woodworking lessons and make sure I deliver with passion and humility.
So before you begin satiating the impulsive bug in you try this
Step 1: Speak to a woodworker to understand what goes into this craft
Step 2: Take up a small weekend workshop
Step 3: If you are still interested set up a small workspace with minimal tools
Step 4: Make something ( gifts for loved ones, tabletop curio )
If you see yourself constantly engaged in making more articles, you are in the right place. It is time to Upgrade :-D
Drop me a line if you want to start your woodworking journey.
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